Cre8tvgirl

I recently purchased a Diamondback Lux Sport at Dicks Sporting Goods, after waiting a week for it to arrive it turns out they shipped the wrong bike. Now that the mistake has been noticed, the bike is sold out... It was on sale from $799 down to $400! I need a small frame bike...I'm 5'5"

I'm going from a random store bought hundred dollar mountain bike to something we can use in the old mines that have been converted to mountain bike parks here in Florida...we mostly bike Alafia, and are shocked my cheap bike has lived through 2 years of that park!
I mostly just ride blue tracks... A couple of black diamonds here and there, but I like my teeth, and bones!

I want something decent obviously, but I don't want to spend a ton of money. I'm now forced to look for another option... I've seen the Dawes the Motobecane and the GT brand bikes have some bikes in that same price range.
I realize just about anything is better than what I own, however I got so excited about getting the nicer bike....that now I'm completely confused on where to go.

FYI our local bike shops generally carry hybrid bikes... I do not want to hybrid!

Thanks in advance

Pamestique 

Hi... welcome to the forum.

I am not familiar with Florida and its bike parks... I suspect a "black" diamond trail where you live might be more intermediate/beginner where I am.

That said, are you really interested in the sport? If so, I wouldn't buy a "big box" store bike; frankly they are very cheap and poorly put together and really won't last long unless you only plan to cruise along on smooth bike trails . Do you have any friends or acquaintenances that mountain bike? If so, check with them...maybe someone is buying up and has a lightly used good bike with decent components to buy. Those bikes are out there... just be patient and look.

I assume Florida has numerous bike shops... you need to research who has and specializes in mountain bikes and go there at least to get a feel for what is available and what size you need (assuming "s"). I shop might have some inforamtion about where you can get a decent bike...

Anyway good luck on your search.

Cre8tvgirl

Thanks...
Trails go up to tripple black here...they do competitions at our 2 most popular parks...can't say how they relate to real mountains...copied...Alafia River State Park singletracks are IMBA EPIC certified. Wide range of novice to intermediate to advanced to highly advanced sections

I'm not one of those people that care about the fanciest bikes...just want it light, good tires, not pink, and good stopping power, prefer disc brakes...I'd like it to last...no one I know bikes, if its not paved, and most use hybrid...I'm not a fan.

I know the options suck...but it's better then what I ride now.

I know some stuff about parts, and can read different part numbers, but not enough to decifer the real differences in those brands...want to stay under $500....

Here all bike shops carry road and hybrid...the ones that have mountain, are over $1000...that's crazy for a beginner...

Cre8tvgirl

See Cannondale Foray 3 or 4
Giant Tempt 4...even though it's girly colors are in my range, but not stocked...have to order ....any thoughts...

Bikernator

Hit your local Craigslist and have a look. That's a budget buyer's best bet in my experience. I've had great success.

osco53

I ride Alafia and Boyette weekly,

I'm addicted,

The bikes from big box stores will get the job done, but for a little more you get so much more,,just sayin..

My entry level Scott hard tail with wet brakes was $625 tax Included. I out grew the fork after the first year, stripped off the front gears after the second year and wanted full suspension during the third summer,,

My current bike is now a 1x11 and serves me well,,,I dig North Creek and roller coaster at Alafia and The Spider Berm and Swamp thing at Boyette~~~~
You have to earn it at Boyette, It's my favorite.

Buy a bike and wear it out,,then buy better as your skills grow,,ride on